Is it permissible to include opinions about why the incident happened?

Is it permissible to include opinions about why the incident happened?

• A. No
• B. Yes if the investigator believes it
• C. Yes if approved by supervisor
• D. Only with legal counsel

Answer: (A)

Maintaining objectivity is essential in incident investigations: conclusions should come from verifiable evidence, not personal beliefs. Opinions about why the incident happened are not permissible because they introduce bias and can't be reliably supported by data. The report should stick to factual findings—what happened, when, who was involved, and what evidence supports those facts—and then use evidence-based analysis to identify contributing factors and probable causes. You can discuss causes only if they are grounded in data and analysis, not in personal opinion. Supervisory approval or legal counsel oversight doesn’t legitimize inserting opinions; it’s still the evidence that must drive conclusions.

Maintaining objectivity is essential in incident investigations: conclusions should come from verifiable evidence, not personal beliefs. Opinions about why the incident happened are not permissible because they introduce bias and can't be reliably supported by data. The report should stick to factual findings—what happened, when, who was involved, and what evidence supports those facts—and then use evidence-based analysis to identify contributing factors and probable causes. You can discuss causes only if they are grounded in data and analysis, not in personal opinion. Supervisory approval or legal counsel oversight doesn’t legitimize inserting opinions; it’s still the evidence that must drive conclusions.